Download A patient`s guide to living with irritable bowel syndrome

IBS
A patient’s guide to living with irritable bowel syndrome
a program of
the aga institute
IBS Basics
— Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the
intestines with symptoms that include crampy pain, gassiness,
bloating and changes in bowel habits.
— Some people with IBS have constipation (difficult or infrequent
bowel movements), others have diarrhea (frequent loose stools,
often with an urgent need to move the bowels), and some people
experience both.
— Sometimes the person with IBS has a crampy urge to move the
bowels, but cannot do so.
— IBS does not cause permanent harm to the intestines and does
not lead to cancer.
— For many people, eating a proper diet and living a healthy
lifestyle may lessen IBS symptoms.
The information in this brochure will give you some basic
facts about IBS. It will help you better understand and
manage your condition and will serve as a starting point for
discussions with your doctor.
Most people with IBS
are able to control their
symptoms through diet,
stress management and,
sometimes, medication
prescribed by their doctors.
Living with IBS
The cause of IBS is unknown, and
likely there are many causes; as a
result, there is no one treatment for
everyone. Doctors call it a functional
disorder because the symptoms result
from an oversensitivity of the muscles
and nerves of the intestine affecting the
way in which they function. There is
no sign of disease when the colon is
examined and, much like a headache
or muscle strain, IBS can cause a great
deal of discomfort and distress, even
though no structural abnormalities
are identified.
The good news is that IBS does not
cause permanent harm to the intestines
and does not lead to intestinal bleeding
of the bowel or to a life-threatening
disease, such as cancer.
Often IBS is just a mild annoyance, but
for some people it can be disabling.
They may be afraid to go to social
events, to go out to a job or to travel
even short distances. Most people with
IBS, however, are able to control their
symptoms through diet, stress
management and, sometimes, with
medications prescribed by their doctor.
Through the years, IBS has been called
by many names — colitis, mucous colitis,
spastic colon, spastic bowel and
functional bowel disease. Most of these
terms are inaccurate. Colitis, for
instance, means inflammation of the
large intestine (colon). IBS, however, does
not cause inflammation and should not
be confused with ulcerative colitis, which
is a more serious disorder.
The Normal Colon
The colon, which is about six feet long,
connects to the small intestine at one
end and to the rectum and anus at the
other end. The major function of the
colon is to absorb water and salts from
digestive products that enter from the
small intestine. Two quarts of liquid
matter enter the right colon from the
small intestine each day. This material
may remain there for several days until
most of the fluid and salts are absorbed
into the body. The stool then passes
through the colon by a pattern of
movements to the left side of the colon,
where it is stored until a bowel
movement occurs.
Normal colon motility (contraction of
intestinal muscles and movement of its
contents) is controlled by nerves and
hormones and by electrical activity in the
colon muscle. The electrical activity
serves as a “pacemaker” similar to the
mechanism that controls heart function.
Movements of the colon propel the
contents slowly back and forth, but
mainly from the right to left colon
toward the rectum. A few times each day,
strong muscle contractions move down
the colon pushing fecal material ahead of
them. Some of these strong contractions
result in a bowel movement.
A
The Digestive System
A. Esophagus
B. Liver
C. Stomach
D. Gallbladder
E. Small intestine
F.Colon
(Large intestine)
G.Pancreas
H. Rectum
I. Anus
B
C
G
D
F
E
H
I
Causes of IBS
IBS results from a combination of several factors that can affect gastrointestinal (GI)
functioning. This includes poor regulation of the muscle contractions of the GI tract
causing abnormal movement (referred to as dysmotility), increased sensitivity of the
nerves attached to the intestinal tract that produce the electrical activity (called visceral
hypersensitivity), or problems in the communication between the nerves of the brain
and gut (known as brain-gut dysfunction). Any or all of these factors lead to the
symptoms that we can recognize as IBS.
u Colonic dysmotility. Researchers have found that the colon muscle of a
person with IBS contracts and can even go into spasm after only mild
stimulation. There are two “sets” of muscles in the colon, longitudinal and
circular, that can lead either to non-propulsive (also called segmental
contractions) or propulsive contractions. Propulsive contractions can move
stool through quickly, producing diarrhea, while non-propulsive segmental
contractions will hold back stool and produce constipation. The person
with IBS seems to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than
usual, so it responds by producing more diarrhea or constipation than
normal. That is why someone with IBS can have both types of symptoms,
even in the same day.
u Visceral hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity of intestinal nerves). When
the intestines are stimulated or stretched, the nerves attached to the
intestines fire signals that go to the brain, where they are experienced as
discomfort or pain, depending on the degree of stimulation. Persons with
IBS will feel discomfort or pain with less stimulation than healthy
individuals; this is called visceral hypersensitivity. These nerves can be
made more sensitive because of an infection or inflammation of the
intestines or injury, such as from an operation or in response to
psychological stress.
u Brain-gut dysfunction. The nerves in the intestinal tract come from the
same origins as the nerves in the brain and spinal cord in the fetus, and
are closely connected to each other in adult life. Stimulation of the bowel
can affect areas in the brain producing emotional distress, which in turn
can affect bowel functioning. This occurs because various chemicals,
including hormones or medications (like antidepressants), can release
substances that influence both brain and intestinal functioning. This
relationship is called the brain-gut connection. Emotional conflict can
lead to greater IBS symptoms; therefore, treatments directed at
emotional distress, like hypnosis or relaxation methods and
antidepressants, can help reduce symptoms. This understanding can help
eliminate concerns by patients or their families about IBS being a
psychiatric disorder. Rather, it is a condition in which the gut is sensitive
to a variety of stimuli to the bowel, including psychological distress,
which can affect anyone.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
It is important to realize that normal
bowel function varies from person to
person. Normal bowel movements
range from as many as three stools a
day to as few as three a week. A normal
movement is one that is formed, but
not hard, contains no blood, and is
passed without cramps or pain.
constipation predominates (IBS-C);
in others diarrhea is more common
(IBS-D). Some people have both (IBSM for “mixed”) or neither (IBS-U for
“unspecified”). Over time, constipation
and diarrhea can even alternate (IBSA). Sometimes, people with IBS pass
mucus with their bowel movements.
People with IBS usually have crampy
abdominal pain that is associated with
constipation and/or diarrhea or
abdominal bloating. In some people,
Bleeding, fever, weight loss and
persistent severe pain are not
symptoms of IBS and may indicate
other problems.
IBS Triggers
u Many people report that their
symptoms occur following a
meal. Eating causes contractions
of the colon. Normally, this
response may cause an urge to
have a bowel movement within
30 to 60 minutes after a meal. In
people with IBS, the urge may
come sooner and may be
associated with pain, cramps
and diarrhea. Certain foods may
trigger spasms in some people. Sometimes the spasm delays the passage
of stool, leading to constipation.
u Certain food substances, like complex carbohydrates and caffeine, fatty
foods, or alcoholic drinks, can cause loose stools in many people, but are
more likely to affect those with IBS.
u Researchers have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms
during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones
can increase IBS symptoms.
u Emotional distress, like preparing for a speech, taking an examination or
traveling, can produce intestinal symptoms of diarrhea, constipation or
pain in everyone, but more so in those with IBS who seem more sensitive
to these events.
How IBS is Diagnosed
IBS is usually diagnosed after doctors
identify certain symptoms that are
typical for the condition and are
present after excluding other diseases.
The doctor will take a complete
medical history that includes a careful
description of symptoms.
Recently, the use of specific symptom
criteria (known as the Rome Criteria —
see table 1) can help make a diagnosis of
IBS with confidence. In addition, a
physical examination and a laboratory
test will be done. A stool sample may be
tested for evidence of bleeding or to
exclude the possibility of infection.
Certain findings during the evaluation,
called “alarm signs,” may lead to
further testing because they may signal
other medical disorders. These alarm
signs can include rectal bleeding,
significant weight loss, low blood
count or a family history of cancer.
The doctor may order other diagnostic
procedures, such as X-rays or
colonoscopy (viewing the colon
Table 1
Rome III Diagnostic
Criteria* for IBS
Recurrent abdominal pain or
discomfort** at least three days/month
in last three months associated with
two or more of the following:
1. Improvement with defecation
2. Onset associated with a change
in frequency of stool.
3. Onset associated with a change
in form (appearance) of stool.
* Criteria fulfilled for the last three months
with symptom onset at least six months
prior to diagnosis.
** “Discomfort” means an uncomfortable
sensation not described as pain.
Published in “Rome III: The Functional
Gastrointestinal Disorders” Third Edition 2006.
through a flexible tube inserted
through the anus), to find out if there is
another disease. To learn more about
colonoscopy, read the AGA Institute
brochure on that topic in your
gastroenterologist’s office or visit
www.gastro.org/patient.
Is IBS Linked to More Serious Problems?
IBS does not lead to more serious
diseases, such as cancer or
inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative
colitis or Crohn’s disease). It is
important to have an appropriate
initial evaluation to exclude other
diseases and then treat the IBS while
staying vigilant to any new findings
that may arise over time.
Some patients have severe IBS, and
the pain, diarrhea or constipation
and resultant impairment in quality
of life may cause them to withdraw
from normal activities. In such cases,
doctors may recommend behavioralhealth counseling.
Treatment
Start with a Good Diet
Fiber
For many people, eating a proper diet
that also avoids eating large amounts of
food items at one time may help lessen
IBS symptoms. Before changing your
diet, it is a good idea to keep a journal
noting which foods seem to cause
distress, and discuss your findings with
your doctor. For instance, if dairy
products cause your symptoms to flare
up, you can try eating less of those foods.
High fat can stimulate the bowels and
produce nausea or cramping.
Insoluble dietary fiber or fiber
supplements, such as psyllium or
polycarbophil, which helps move bulk
through the intestines and promotes
bowel movements, may lessen
constipation if associated with IBS
symptoms. Whole-grain breads, cereals
and beans are good sources of fiber for
patients with IBS. High-fiber diets keep
the colon mildly distended, which may
help to prevent spasms from developing.
Sometimes, it is not what you eat, but
the amount you eat that activates IBS
symptoms. Many find that reducing the
amount of food and eating smaller
portions more frequently can reduce
symptoms. IBS is a condition in which
there is an overreaction to stimuli to
the bowel, and this can include dietary
substances. Some individuals may be
more sensitive to food items that in
larger quantities can affect everyone.
Recent attention has been drawn to the
FODMAP (FODMAP= fermentable
oligo-, di- and mono-saccharides and
polyols) concept; this relates to
avoiding the ingestion of fermentable
sugars, such as fructose or lactose,
sorbitol, and fructans present in wheat.
These food items, if poorly absorbed,
are broken down by bacteria to
produce symptoms of gaseousness,
bloating, abdominal discomfort and
diarrhea, which are seen in IBS.
There are many websites that discuss the
types of items to be avoided with the
FODMAP diet. You also may want to
consult a registered dietitian, who can
help you make changes in your diet.
Some forms of fiber also keep water in
the stools, thereby preventing hard
stools that are difficult to pass. Doctors
usually recommend that you eat just
enough fiber so that you have soft,
easily passed, painless bowel
movements. However, high-fiber diets
may also cause gas and bloating and
thus should be taken in moderation.
Table 2
High-Fiber Foods
Food
Grams
of Fiber
1/2 cup All-Bran
9.6
1/2 cup navy beans
9.5
1/2 cup of kidney beans
8.2
1/2 cup of black beans
7.5
3/4 cup bran flakes
5.3
1 medium sweet potato
with skin
4.8
1/2 cup green peas
4.4
1 medium pear with skin
4.3
Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/
diverticulosis/
Role of Medicines in
Relieving IBS Symptoms
There is no standard way of treating
IBS, and treatment choices often depend
on the predominant set of symptoms
that are present. For example, if chronic
constipation is predominant (IBS-C),
prescription drugs or over-the-counter
products, such as polyethylene glycol
solutions that increase intestinal fluid to
help pass stool, may be appropriate.
When diarrhea is more prominent (IBSD), over-the-counter loperamide or
several different types of prescription
drugs may be used.
Probiotics may also help IBS symptoms
and are safe. Occasionally, antibiotics
can be used with certain patients, but
overtreatment should be avoided.
Finally, antidepressant drugs are used
when abdominal pain is more severe,
because they can help reduce visceral
sensitivity and brain-gut dysfunction
that contribute to the symptoms.
Psychological treatments
seem to reduce abdominal
discomfort and the
psychological stress
associated with IBS
symptoms.
Psychological Treatments
There are several psychological
treatments that can help reduce the
symptoms of IBS. These include:
u Cognitive-behavioral
treatment.
u Hypnosis.
u Stress management.
u Meditation.
u Other relaxation methods.
These treatments seem to reduce
abdominal discomfort and the
psychological distress associated with IBS
symptoms, improve coping skills, and
help patients adapt to their symptoms.
There are no harmful effects and these
treatments can be used in addition to or
instead of the usual medical treatments.
IBS Symptom Tracker
Keep track of your symptoms. Fill out the chart below (make copies for future use) and
bring the completed charts to your next doctor’s visit. See below for an example of
how to use this chart.
Date
4/18
Symptom Type
& Severity (1-10)
Diarrhea
(9 out of 10)
Describe
Watery & loose,
every 30 minutes
What made it
better/worse
(food, stress,
period)?
Better — food
How did it affect
you? (Thoughts,
feelings or activity restrictions)?
Couldn’t leave
house — angry
IBS Notes & Patterns
Keep track of how you feel, what you eat, what stress you are feeling and what
exercise you are getting. Noticing patterns in your activities can guide your
gastroenterologist in helping you avoid your personal IBS triggers. By keeping a log of
your behaviors, you and your physician will have a head start on alleviating the
symptoms. Get started by answering the following questions.
1. What are the main symptoms that are bothering you and how
would you describe them?
a. Pain (describe: steady, cramping, burning)? What is the location?
b. Diarrhea or constipation (or both)? Do they affect the pain?
c. Bloating?
d. Nausea or vomiting?
2. What are the experiences that make your symptoms worse (and describe)?
a. Eating (what type, how often)?
b. Stress (what type)?
c. Physical activity?
d. Menstrual cycle?
3. What medicines are you taking and which ones help or don’t help?
For more information on IBS.
Go to www.gastro.org/patient for general information on digestive health and disorders, tests
performed by gastroenterologists and to find an AGA member physician in your area.
If IBS is significantly affecting your life, the AGA publishes a book, “Master Your IBS,” that will
show you how to reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms. It can be ordered from
Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.
Go to www.theromefoundation.org for medical information about the diagnosis and
management of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Go to www.iffgd.org for educational brochures and patient forums on IBS.
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded
in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in
all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute
administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.
Thanks to the following members who guided development of this brochure:
CONTRIBUTOR
REVIEWERS
Douglas A. Drossman, MD
• Co-Director UNC Center for Functional GI
and Motility Disorders
Sandee Bernklau, APRN-BC, CGRN
• Nurse Practitioner/Director
• Midwest Endoscopy Center
• Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fay Kastrinos, MD, MPH
• Assistant Professor in Clinical Medicine
• College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases
• Columbia University
This brochure was produced by the AGA Institute and supported by grants
from Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The AGA Institute offers the information in these brochures for educational purposes to provide accurate and helpful health
information for the general public. This information is not intended as medical advice and should not be used for diagnosis. The
information in these brochures should not be considered a replacement for consultation with a health-care professional. If you
have questions or concerns about the information found in these brochures, please contact your health-care provider. We encourage
you to use the information and questions in these brochures with your health-care provider(s) as a way of creating a dialogue and
partnership about your condition and your treatment.
IBS.0811
a program of
the aga institute